Leaves of all election department employees have been cancelled until further notice.

Election Commissioner, Mahinda Deshapriya told our news team that this decision had been taken as a preparation for the election.

SLFP Treasurer Minister Dallas Alhapperuma said at a meeting held at Hakmana in Matara last Saturday that the President would make the first statement about the next presidential election within 72 hours.

The Election Commissioner told our news team that based on this statement all preparations were being made for an election.